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Chris LaPanse
That could end up interesting as well, although that would probably give an advantage to the multi-staged stuff which involves MUCH more complexity and effort…
I think that next year, the contest of choice for me will be the SSSS. More power, tracking, and the added challenge of keeping it together at speeds approaching mach 2…
I really hope you’re right about them turning up – mine was pretty small, and there might not be another launch up north until mayhem…
We’ll have to see I guess – if I get it back, I would LOVE to see the data.
Warren B. Musselman
John and I had a little one on one contest last year with J570’s and I’m here to tell you that you’re talking 15K to 17K with almost any serious attempt at a minimum diameter bird for that motor. You’re also talking near Mach 2 if not exceeding it… serious stuff. I’m inclined to think that the J350 version of the contest will be tough enough for a year or two to come.
Warren
Chris LaPanse
That was kind of the idea behind suggesting it actually – make it a bit more extreme, and also perhaps spur someone into making a new J altitude record 🙂
The J350 is definitely already difficult, though, no question…
Anonymous
Much will be determined by the BATFE and their actions over the coming months. If things don’t settle out soon, we may all be flying G80s and hybrids. J350s and J570s may be a distant memory.
Ed, I’m sorry your bird didn’t turn up yesterday, you had a great design that obviously did well.
I like these contests because they force us all to step up and exert ourselves. As an example, the first year we did the Icarus contest, we set the target altitude at 10K. The “I” record at the time was ~6,400′! At the end of the season, two of us broke 10K — DQing ourselves in the process. I believe 4 or 5 of us broke 9K. We were pretty smart when we aimed for 10K. It made us *all* better flyers.
If we do decide to do a contest, I’d like to pick a motor that we can buy from Tim Thomas so we can support those who support us.
JW
Bruce R. Schaefer
Well said, JW. But who among us knows, when all the BATFE stuff settles down, where we’ll be? TRA & NAR didn’t sound as optimistic as they usually sound. The last post mentioned that we should be prepared for the worst, that all in this safe hobby may have to have LEUP’s in order to fly. Unless, I was misreading that. That being said, I go with what Tim Thomas can do and what JamesR says can be one. I trust them both. Period.
That could end up interesting as well, although that would probably give an advantage to the multi-staged stuff which involves MUCH more complexity and effort…
And, aren’t complexity and effort what make a contest? Even if you can’t make it out to the pad with everything attached? 😳 Warren, these two contests are great, SSS & SSSS, as is. Everyone knew going in that they had the chance of losing their MAWD’s in the short term. We all mentioned it online. Not an issue. There was nothing unclear in your rules. At least, as JW pointed out, we should be able to fly G80’s. 🙂 Don’t change a good thing.
denverdoc
I vote for a repeat of the SSS–hopefully with the new repackaged motor. And sorry, chris, i don’t buy into your tracker argument. The reason it was suggested to disallow these is that the skillful use of a beacon requires experience (tho Ed would appear to be a fast learner), and more importantly the gear/$$ to do it. On the cheap we’re talking maybe 250 to 300 for a Big Red Bee beacon, decent transceiver, Yagi antenna, and Ham radio license. The idea was to expand the field of entrants, not narrow it based on experience or $$. The fact that there have been no completely successful flights so far this year means to me we picked a great, and challenging event–and JW’s point is an excellent one. Had fliers flown during the big events there would have been a lot more recoveries. The H999 shot I flew at MHM is in a similar category–it showed up sooner or later, at least the motor 1/2. Your rocket and the rest will too. Face it, fliers waited too long and had to put up with poor conditions–had you a clear sky you might now be crowing instead of complaining. Course the flip side is I and any other entrants know whats needed at atlas–and build for a 6000′ flight. I wish i could say this strategy was based more than on procrastination and preoccupation and dumb luck, but there you have it.
As to the ssss, not sure here. We had 4 or 5 entries so maybe “dumbing” it down to an I600 might attract more interest. Or how bout any I impulse flight. That way it gives folks a little more latitude in terms of strategy. I, too, like the staging wildcard.
John SAnonymous
Boy, that is a GREAT idea on the I600…. that is a motor that has some serious grunt. I also really like the idea of using any I motor. You can tailor your bird to a certain motor. It’d bring out the creativity in all of us. I don’t know what on earth I’d use if I could go w/ any I motor. The I200 is a 29mm motor, but just *barely* an I…. The I600 has a lot of poop, but is a 38mm. Decisions, decisions…. Both great ideas, JS. There will be much to talk about at the annual meeting.
Both contests were great this year. I think it is incredible that we had some flights at/near 6K on a 100NS motor. I also think the prohibiting of tracking added a really interesting twist.
JW
Chris LaPanse
Hmm – the I600 has some potential.
Then again, so does the Loki I110…
There is also news of a new J825R for the 38/1080 case coming out soon – perhaps use that for a little more extreme flight? 😯 8) 😆
Anonymous
Lets all figure out a way to have a HUGE SSS contest next year. I say we shoot for a $1,000 kitty. Here are my proposals, in no particular order:
a.) G80, so we have an assured source of propulsion (under the 62.5g limit that the BATFE may be more prone to enforce). This also allows kids, non L1 flyers, etc. into the contest.
b.) allow multiple entries. If you want to fly more than once, then pay for multiple slots. Granted, this takes the “single” out of SSS, but you get more $ in play. Alternatively, allow multiple entries provided you build multiple rockets?
c.) open to anyone, club member or not
d.) promote the heck out of this. There are a lot of flyers in Colorado. If someone could win a grand, it’d get some play…
e.) allow teams to enter rockets
f.) bump up the entry fee? $25? $30? what is the right twist here?
Bottom line, lets make this a big deal. I’d love to see someone win a big kitty.
JW
Warren B. Musselman
John, I like this. I remember asking about multiple entries for this year, but we shot it down. I’m glad to see you’ve reconsidered on that. I’d love to see a $1000 pot myself and I would enter more than once.
Warren
Chris LaPanse
Warren B. Musselman
Anonymous
Bruce R. Schaefer
denverdoc
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